Trip to Colorado
I took Sophia on her first flight to Colorado to visit my Dad this summer. We flew with the Siscas and had such a crazy adventure. I will never forget the comments from the people on the plane, the car stalling or almost running out of gas. After 12 hrs door to door, we finally arrived..
We had a wonderful visit. The weather was beautiful and we got a chance to swim, hike and visit a few farmer's markets and outdoor concerts. Sophia adapted quickly to the time change and had a ball playing with my Dad and Babbie. We discovered that she loves mardis gras beads and broccoli, not to mention Dad's famous BBQ chicken. Here are some pics from the trip:
Beads, beads and more beads please
Once she discovered that the cabinets opened, she would sneak in and look for fun toys to play with. She was really good about looking to me for approval for what she could play with. She would leave the glassware and take out a plastic measuring cup knowing that it was ok.
Just like her mommy and grandpa, Soph loves her broccoli.
There was a fun pool and playground nearby, perfect for little ones.
We enjoyed two outdoor concerts while we were in Colorado where Soph got a chance to run around and strut her stuff.
We took two hikes where the sites were really impressive.
One last farmer's market for some fresh kale before we go.
Bye Grandpa! We had a great time. Looking forward to our next visit.
In the meantime, we will keep in touch on the computer.
Playing Outside
We have been enjoying the outdoors this month while the weather is still nice. Every chance we get we run to the park. I think this is still Soph's favorite equipment at the park. Her least favorite is the swings, where she only lasts about 30 seconds.
Soph is definitely Mama's girl and loves the beach.
We enjoyed a few more warm days at the end of the summer with Soph's summer romance, new Will (sorry old Will -- you will always be her first boy friend in playgroup).
We had a nice hike to a nearby lake with some of the kids from mom's club. Even after living here five years, we are still exploring new areas.
Happy Labor Day! With a few of the moms going back to work, our (very first) Friday playgroup is no longer happening. We had one last big get together before school starts (they are all teachers) and we still get together on the weekends or evenings during the school year.
We played at Casey's house and then enjoyed a little bit of the labor day parade, where Sophia danced of course.
We had a couple other mom's club town activities this month, trying to enjoy the nice weather as much as possible.
We went out to sushi with Ali & Layla and the kids behaved great. The trick is the chop sticks! I think I will keep a pair in my bag for an emergency toy. Playing at home
Sophia has learned to give big kisses. Now with flu season approaching, we have to teach her to air kiss on the cheek.
Soph has a new game called "hat," which I do not like very much at all. All of her dishes are easily turned into a hat and food is spilled all over her head.
Soph had Noa over for a playdate and she was so happy to share all of her toys and food with someone other than teddy.
Playing dress up is Sophia's new favorite game. Forget peek-a-boo... give this girl a hat (any hat will do) and some big shoes, and the kid is set for entertainment. 
Soph gave her Daddy an early birthday present-- A new watch band. Not very exciting for 35 yrs, but that is what he wanted (We got him a few other things later too).
Out and About
We celebrated my friend's (former career coach) birthday this month with a wonderful dinner at a nearby restaurant. At the party, she asked her family & friends to give to her 3 favorite charities instead of giving her a birthday present. The Randy Cappiello Foundation was one of those charities and we were honored to be a part of such a special and generous occasion.
We celebrated my friend's (former career coach) birthday this month with a wonderful dinner at a nearby restaurant. At the party, she asked her family & friends to give to her 3 favorite charities instead of giving her a birthday present. The Randy Cappiello Foundation was one of those charities and we were honored to be a part of such a special and generous occasion.
We attended a little goodbye party for my cousin Kara who left for the Peace Corps this month. She will be in Africa for over 2 yrs. Good luck on this incredible journey!
We got together this month with Kerrie and Shawn. Thanks to Shmers' mom for letting us wreak havoc in their house. I can't believe how big the kids are getting..left to right is youngest to oldest, but as they get older, it is harder to tell! 
Off to a BBQ with our backpack and of course, Elmo.Pre-nursery School
Soph on her first day of "school"
Sophie started a "magical" pre-nursery school class where the mommies (or Daddies) go with the kids to play, do a craft project, learn about different colors or animals each week in "circle time" and enjoy a snack. Sophie loved the class right away and is picking up new things all the time. When the bell rings for circle time, she is the first one there waiting for the fun to begin...and when class is over she can hardly contain herself waiting for the gift (she knows it is a balloon). We are both enjoying this structured and fun time together.
At the end of this month, it was time for pumpkins to arrive already. I can hardly believe it, but Halloween will be just around the corner now. Stay tuned for more favorite fall activities! 
